From the Principal
Hello Parents,
Two years later, we are excited and a little anxious about going to "Mask-Optional" on Monday We all agree it's been a long-haul but we are all moving to optional masking with different backgrounds and concerns. Our collective goal is to make sure every student at school is able to comfortably wear a mask as much as they'll need to. We've been prepping in the cafeteria and now throughout the school, that we respect and support each student's choice.
Remember - masks are still required on busses, read the superintendent's note about the changes.
More good news - the early morning app, RUVNA, will no longer be sent out for elementary and middle school families.
One more thing, our latest updates for Covid cases is moving to the the district Dashboard. All information will be provided there. Check out the link below to find the dashboard on the district webpage.
Way to go to our 4th Graders! They did an awesome job on Tuesday taking the NAEP test (National Assessment of Educational Progress). The state representatives enjoyed their time spent at Orchard School!
Our fifth graders are attending flight school at Project Starbase for the next couple of weeks. We're looking forward to their rocket send-offs in the near future!
Remember, Daylight Savings Time starts Saturday Night. Don't forget to move your clocks forward one hour.
Also, we've got a big snow storm coming our way, don't put that winter gear away yet!
Have a good weekend, take some time to read to your child.
Mark T
Quote of the Week:
“Fall seven times, stand up eight."
Old Japanese Proverb
School Nurse Notes
ELASTIC WAISTED PANTS NEEDED:
Has your student outgrown their pants? We are in need of stretchy pants / leggings. If you have some to spare, that are washed and in good shape, please send them in. Thank you!
HEARING SCREENINGS:
Hearing screenings are conducted in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 5th grade (per State of Vermont guidelines) and we are currently screening students. You will be contacted ONLY if we determine that your student requires further (out of school) testing by their provider or a specialist. Students can also be screened, upon request. Please call if you have any questions.
GET VACCINATED (if you have not already)!
Vaccines are the best tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19. They help your body fight off the virus; you are much less likely to get sick and less likely to transmit the virus to others.
Be well,
Kara Cassani, RN & Darcy Mazlish, RN
Orchard School Nurses
SBSD Elementary Health Services
p. (802) 652-7303
f. (802) 652-7354
MEMORY BOOK ORDERING TIME: Order early! Deadline by Monday, April 24th
Memory Books are a great way to commemorate your child's year at Orchard. Books cost $14 each and can be ordered using the link or QR code below. If you are able, please consider donating an extra book for a family in need.
Order Link: https://www.memorybook.com/online-pay/parent-pay/
School Code: 920771
You will need the school code above and then follow the directions on the screen to set up an account. If you already have an account from last year, please update your child’s information so their order goes to this year's classroom teacher. Do so by clicking on the “+Add/Update Information” purple button in your account and adjusting the teacher's name and grade. If you wish to donate a book, you can put it in your name or your child's name as the system requires a name be entered but we will be sure the book goes to someone in need. Thank you!
Volunteer Opportunity: This Memory Book coordinator is graduating in June! If you are interested and willing to take on the Memory Book in future years, please reach out to learn the ropes and be mentored in this current ordering season.
PTO Updates
Where the heck is the new Playground?: For those who don't know, we had a big fundraising effort last year to revamp the Orchard School playground. While we hoped that this would greet our students in the fall, it was met with the parts and shipping challenges that have plagued many products these days. Our new playground is slated to be on it's way to Vermont at the end of March, with a hopeful install date in mid-April. Fingers crossed it will finally happen soon!
Artist in Residence: The PTO is pleased to share that we will have an Artist in Residence in May. Artists in Residence come from a variety of areas that bring new and interesting experiences to our children. The PTO works to bring these in roughly every other year. This year's AIR will be Master Yordan, of Yordan's Black Belt Academy, who will work with classes to teach traditional martial arts exercises that instill confidence, life skills, and build a positive self-image.
NEXT PTO MEETING Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30 pm. Mr. T will present news on our district's continuous improvement plan) Here is the join link: https://smcvt.zoom.us/j/97235985880?pwd=MEZVendCdWdReUIzTVkxazlyRUFQZz09
Teacher Appreciation Snack Sign Up: Sign up here to show our teachers and staff some love! https://www.konstella.com/app/school/6053aecc105c0243ef2edbfa/recurring-signups/61689cb76afad907d5d48956
What is Konstella? Konstella is a parent portal for people to connect with one another (e.g., to set up playdates), for community event reminders, and for committee sign-ups. Add your child to their classroom today! https://www.konstella.com/cd/YHHCGJ
Questions or Comments for the PTO? Please email Orchardschoolvt@gmail.com
Girls on the Run - Updated!
Girls On The Run Spring 2022 registration is officially open! This year's season will begin the week of March 28th and end on June 4th with a 5K celebration to be held at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex.
Practices will be held on Mondays and Thursday from 3-4:30pm outdoors at Orchard Elementary. Registration is open to grades 3-5 only. You can register online at www.gotrvt.org or you can contact volunteer coach Patiance Johnson at 802-393-5223 to receive a paper copy of the registration form if you
